Have you read any of the food lists going around? There is a list of the worst foods you can buy at the supermarket, the worst foods you can eat at a restaurant, the worst fast foods, the worst breakfast foods- if you enjoy eating it, it’s probably on a list somewhere. I even picked up a book the other day that was titled “Eat This, Not That”. All my favorites were on the “Not That” pages, so I put it down!!

In honor of the lists, I thought I would tell you about the ten worst foods I’ve ever eaten. Most of them are things I was forced to eat as a child. It would never have occurred to me to try them on my own!

1.Liver - I know some of you like this and still eat it. Can’t stand the thought, smell, or sight of it!!! As a child I tried to hide it under my mashed potatoes, feed it to the dog, come down with a fever before it was served- anything to get out of actually putting it in my mouth. My father, however, was a stickler for rules and the house rule was that if Mom cooked it, you ate it.

2.Snail- You can call it escargot or any other made up name you want. It’s still a snail! My aunt made me try some for my 21st birthday. Yuck!!! It was the consistency of shoe leather.

3.Squirrel- No one should have to eat one of these critters, but as a child we often ate things Dad hunted. It was tough and stringy and did NOT taste like chicken. LOL Rabbit- not so bad.

4.Fish eggs- Yes, I’ve eaten caviar and you can keep it. Salt it, put it on a cracker, whatever- it’s still slime.

5.Pig brains- We had pork chops last night, and I love ham. But you can keep the brains. My mom used to mix them with eggs. I’m not sure why. I’m just sure I gagged when they were on the breakfast table.

6.Hominy- You thought I was going to stay with meats didn’t you? Well, I’ve told this story before. My grandmother made her own hominy and the whole house smelled horrible when she did. If you read the process you will see there is lye involved, and I guess that just reminded me too much of lye soap, which she also made. Also, I’m not fond of the texture of hominy.

7.Black eyed peas- Don’t like these and really don’t like limas either. Both seem to have an odd texture to me. Gran always made us eat black eyed peas for the New Year. Who started that??

8.Oysters- We had a friend/landlord who visited often and had the strangest eating habits in the world. He ate raw eggs, had wine for breakfast, and walked around in the summer eating oysters. Tasted one and decided he was crazy!

9.Deer- Nope, don’t understand the appeal. I’m not really against deer hunting. I understand the whole game management thing. I understand that some people must truly like the taste of it. Not me. Just don’t like that “wild” taste. I’ve also eaten bear and alligator- not so much either.

10.Sardines- Several of the men in my family love these things! I can’t even stand to be in the same room with them.

So there you have my list of foods to avoid this year. I’m not sure you’ll be healthier, but trust me, you’ll be happier!

What do you get when ice melts and then the temperature drops to twenty??????????? Correct students! More ice!! And we also have clouds and patches of fog. What a wonderful morning for commuting to work. I plan to wait until it is safe, even if I’m a little late. My students can eat breakfast without me, and that will give me fifteen minutes of extra daylight. If there is anything I hate more than driving on icy roads, it is driving on icy roads in the dark!

I still have faith that spring is just around the corner! I failed to mention yesterday that I actually bought a new hoe (on sale) and several packets of seed last Saturday. I bought black Hollyhock, mixed Hollyhock, cypress vine, cleome, and cardinal climber vine. Also bought five more solar lights for the front walk. Next weekend I plan to start hauling more rock for my walk and compost for the flower beds. When you drive a Mustang you either have to borrow someone’s pickup or haul five bags at a time! LOL

I’ve been out of school for two days, thanks to the ice storm, so I thought it would be great to finish copying files from our old computer to the new one. It took an agonizing and tedious chunk of both days to complete the task. Each time I copied a disk and then deleted the data to reload it, the computer gave me the message “this folder is empty”. By the time I had completed the process for about a hundred disks I was empty! Who knew there was so much stuff on my old computer!! We’ve been sharing Robert’s for a year. I didn’t think I needed half the stuff that was on there. Then I kept discovering old photos I had tucked away in odd folders. What a crazy filing system I had! Oh, well, phase one is complete. Now the fun begins…it will take me a month of Sundays to get the data out of “floppy disk” folders and into the proper file folders. Of course I couldn’t move anything neatly intact in its own folder- they were all too big for a floppy disk. Some files had to be divided into as many as seven folders, and then each folder had to be saved to a separate disk! Ironic that when I had moved all my files to the new computer I saved everything on one CD in about one minute!

And let me just say that I probably would have spent at least part of yesterday and today in a panic attack if I didn’t have my own computer expert in the house. Changing from the old computer to Robert’s XP to our new Vista in less than a decade makes my head spin!! I’m too old to learn this much at once. Each time I start to do something there is a slight change in the process or the looks or something that freaks me out! I’m not a technology person and I’ve come this far out of sheer necessity and Okie stubbornness. There have been tears and gnashing of teeth during the past few years. LOL Robert keeps saying things like “don’t be so afraid” or “stay calm” or “I know that sigh! What’s wrong?”

Well, at least I can get back to my regular routine tomorrow. The ice is melting and we should be able to get to work. I think we will have to use our back door because there wasn’t enough sunshine today to melt the ice on the front porch. Robert tried to clear some of it with a shovel, but it was just too thick. Should be a balmy 60 degrees by the weekend! Florida weather!

New is good. Bigger is even better!! This new monitor makes it easier for me to read. I can even see this with just my right eye! Yeah!

Robert spent his evening hooking up our new computer and installing everything and transferring files from his computer to ours. It's amazing how quickly files can be transferred with a memory stick. I only wish it was possible to use that on my old computer. However, I did manage to copy thirty files yesterday. Just about finished because most of my stuff was already backed up. Someone on Facebook had a good idea- pick a specific day to back up everything each week. I think I'm going to start doing that on Sunday afternoons- just make a CD for my Caddo research. I'd hate to lose any of it.

Now that I'm on a better, faster computer I have some tweaking to do on all of my blogs and some information to add to the Caddo website. Just a few projects that I've avoided because I didn't have some of my research on Robert's computer and I was too lazy to move it. No excuses now!

I've probably mentioned it before, but I'm still amazed by the low price of this computer. We spent a fortune for our first one and had to make payments. We were probably foolish, but the company Gary worked for wanted all employees to be computer literate, and so they made computers available and took the payments out of his check. I still have that Apple IIc in the closet!! I think it even has the original instruction manual. Good memories.

Off to school to see who is well again. Looks like a cold, cold week ahead.

I have to preface this post with a reminder that my husband and I both drive Mustangs. You’ll quickly see where this is going.

We have been planning for several months to purchase a new computer. We are planners by nature, and my husband is the ultimate “comparison shopper”. Don’t get me started on how long and how detailed the “comparison” aspect of shopping can be with a major purchase. LOL Anyway, he found our computer at the WalMart in Sherman, Texas. Sherman is about 45 miles from us and we go there when we just can’t find something on our side of the river. As I’ve said before, we generally like to keep our money in OK. But our WalMart doesn’t carry this computer and we aren’t patient once we make a decision. We wanted to buy it this weekend. So after he got off work we headed to Texas.

We drove to Sherman, made our purchase, and happily hauled it out to the car. About half way across the parking lot my brain kicked into gear and I noticed the SIZE of the BOX. Oops! I turned to Gary and said, “I think we have just pulled a Macy’s!” He knew immediately what I meant.

Some of you may remember that I worked for Macy’s for five years. Gary worked several Christmas seasons as an “extra” on the loading dock. I worked every department of the store, including the dock once or twice- to cover peak times, sick days, vacations, breaks, etc. So we both had plenty of experience with customers who bought big items like lamps, televisions, statues, etc. and then couldn’t get them into their car!! I even had a customer who had to call his wife and have her bring their other vehicle to the store so he could take his new television home. We all turned our backs and tried not to listen as she berated him for not planning ahead.

Well, we had planned ahead…for everything except stuffing a huge computer box into a Mustang. Although, honestly, who knew such a little thing would be in such a BIG box!! The trunk opening on my car is too small for anything bigger than a bread box, so I knew it wouldn’t go there. Our next attempt was to move the passenger seat forward and put the box in the back seat. No such luck. We ended up moving the seat way back and letting the computer ride in front! I stuffed myself into the back, behind the driver’s seat, and was grateful that I’m short!! There is absolutely no leg room in the back seat of a Mustang. Yes, Gary is thinner, and might have been more comfortable in the back, but you have to also remember that right now I can’t see well at night!! So he needed to drive.

I’m sure there was someone in the parking lot laughing at us as we made all of our adjustments. I didn’t dare look. Besides, we were laughing, too. Certainly a reprimand for all the times I laughed at my Macy’s customers!

I rode in a nearly fetal position all the way home. The seat belt kept creeping up to rub my neck. My right leg went numb. It was an adventure. Perhaps it taught us a lesson though. Next time we’ll include “take measurements of box” on our comparison shopping list. Or maybe we just need to buy a pickup!

I've said before that I have no regrets about my life. I've made a lot of mistakes, but I've learned from them and grown and changed and been blessed along the way. I wouldn't change anything I've done if it meant giving up the people and relationships that have enriched my life so much. However...

However. There is one person from my past who reaches out occasionally and stabs at my heart one more time just to remind me that she changed my life. There is one person who can still bring tears to my eyes at the very mention of her name. And I find myself wondering...what if?

What if my parents hadn't let her spend so much time with me as a child?

What if she hadn't been so hurt and so flawed by her relationship with her dad?

What if I hadn't loved her so much?

What if she hadn't joined a cult?

What if I hadn't believed so many of her lies?

What if I hadn't let her influence so many of my relationships?

What if I hadn't let her spend so much time with my own children?

What if they hadn't believed so many of her lies?

That's a lot of wondering. And perhaps a warning to those of you with young children. Sometime in the future the words and actions of the people in your life right now may return to make you wonder.

We received the answer to a long-standing prayer yesterday. It has brought joy beyond measure, and more blessing than deserved. It is a private thing that I cannot share, but know this…God is good. And I intend to be good as well. This, more than most things in my life, has taught me the value of patience, and timing. My reaction to this answered prayer is far different than it might have been five years ago when we first prayed. I am a wiser, stronger person now, and God’s timing is perfect.

We live in a world where people seek instant gratification. Perhaps it has always been so, and is just more noticeable now because of easier communications. But sometimes what we want NOW is not suited to who we will be or what we will want in a few months or a few years. Sometimes waiting develops character. Sometimes waiting allows things and people around us to change. Sometimes waiting changes our relationships or knowledge. God is the only one who sees the future and knows the perfect timing for each part of our life.

No, I don’t think of my life as “written in stone” or planned out in great detail by God. I don’t believe that everything I’m going to do is already decided. Rather, I believe that my life is like one of those movies with “alternate endings”. I believe that God has planned for my redemption and my home in heaven, but for my life on earth He gave me free will to decide my own fate. It’s like our lives with our own children. Are you happy when you force your child, by YOUR will, to do something you know is good for them, or are you happiest when they make a decision because you have taught them that it is the right thing to do and they made the choice by their own will?

Free will is like a dance- action and reaction. But 1+1 always equals 2. There are limitations to our power. I cannot go against the laws of nature that God has set into play. I cannot go against the laws of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus without suffering the consequences. So each step we take in life affects the next step. Each person we have a relationship with changes us and how we view the world. Each circumstance of our life gives us the opportunity to do something, good or bad, wise or foolish. That is why God sometimes answers our prayers with no or maybe. Prayer is our way of asking for the “alternate ending” and God is the ultimate director.

So I leave you today, blessed beyond measure, not because of my will, but because of God’s glory. Today is the first day of a whole new life and I don’t intend to waste it. This is an alternate ending I prayed for, but I’m not sure I really believed would be granted. God is good!

I went out to my car yesterday with the expectation of completing my usual routine- stick in the key, turn on the motor, leave for work. No such luck. Stuck in the key, but no reaction. No power. Once again, my car has a dead battery for no reason that we can pinpoint. My husband is going to try to resuscitate it today.

It occurred to me later that many people are like my car sitting out there. The shell looks the same, but the power is gone. They have lost their enthusiasm, their zest, their power. Perhaps they have lost their connection to God, or their confidence in self, or their physical power. Whatever the cause, they need to be resuscitated as well. Look around today and see if anyone needs your help to regain their power.

My little ones are still sick. I had a couple come back, and a couple of different ones stay home, so I still had eight absent. I feel so sorry for the ones who are sick, but also for the ones who are worried about their friends. Kindergartners are a tight-knit group. They don't like to be separated.

I didn't watch much of the festivities last night. I must have been much more tired than I thought. I sat down on the couch to watch Biggest Loser, saw a little of it, and awoke at 9:30 wondering what had happened!! I did see our First Couple dancing on the news and they looked very happy and graceful.

By the way, I won't be watching Biggest Loser again. They've become mean and demeaning. I don't think that is the way to help people. I was bothered by the cursing on the show- you know me. I was upset by the idea of inflicting pain on people who could have serious health issues and accidents at any moment. I was concerned by the "throwing out the pills" scene because I don't want people to take the initiative to throw out their own medications or ignore their doctors when they lose a few pounds. Also, my son is heavy and he has great blood pressure and cholesterol, to the amazement of his doctor. It's not always about your weight. Both conditions can be genetic. I don't think BL needs to start giving out medical advice! Anyway, they've lost this viewer. I have better things to do.

Please pray that today is a better day for my students. Yesterday I had eight absent and two others coughing. It's the same scene in other classes. Apparently the flu, or its cousin, is making the rounds. I hate for my little ones to be sick!

It's a better day for me already. I had a good checkup yesterday. The doctor says my eye is healing nicely and the last annoying floaters should dissipate soon. I'm being patient...sort of.

I overheard several conversations at the doctor's office yesterday. People are very concerned about their weight, housing, jobs, and the new president. Just so you know! You can learn a lot by just listening, especially if people are on the phone.

I stopped by JC Penney on the way home and bought mittens (1/2 off) and two spring shirts. I told a friend that only in OK would I need both in January! Our weather goes from one extreme to the other. Warm today, probably freezing again next week.

I don't know if you have noticed, but I've been having a problem with the type on my post. When I hit "save" it gets smaller!! Don't know why, and can't seem to correct it. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

I also bought "floppy disks" yesterday. Try finding those! I needed a few to finish transferring data from my old computer to save for the new one. I bought an external floppy drive a few weeks ago. Hopefully I will not lose any of my research.

I have already endured enough gloom and doom this year. Other than the “miracle on the Hudson” the news has been filled with dire predictions about the economy, unemployment, obesity, global warming, war, politics, and greed. Each day brings a story about someone losing their house or job or loved one. Yes, these things happen. Yes, I have empathy and sympathy. But please…let’s have a little balance. The Bible says “weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Let’s have a little joy.

I’ve read before that during the Great Depression people flocked to the movies and dance halls. I understand that now- they had to escape to gain a little perspective. You can only listen to the tired reporters reporting the same tired statistics before you start to go a little nuts. Yes, times are tough. Yes, there are greedy corporate leaders. Yes, there are stupid people in charge of some pretty important aspects of the economy. But there are also some smart people around who are trying to repair the damages and help us move forward.There are things all of us can do to help each other survive the changes and the problems that confront us. I am confident there will be more jobs and more houses and better times ahead. Let’s have some hope.

I found this recently in my favorite old cookbook: “The laughter of girls is, and ever was, among the most delightful sounds of earth. Truly there is nothing sweeter or pleasanter to the ear than the merry laugh of a happy, joyous girl, and nothing dissipates gloom and sadness quicker, and drives dull care away like a good, hearty laugh. We do not laugh enough; nature should teach us this lesson, it is true; the earth needs the showers, but if it did not catch and hold the sunshine, too, where would be the brightness and beauty it lavishes upon us? Laugh heartily, laugh often, girls; not boisterously, but let the gladness of your hearts bubble up once in a while, and overflow in a glad mirthful laugh.” Welcome Encyclopedia of Cookery, 1890